Approximately 23 naturalists and scientists join each expedition, many of whom actively work in one of the two onboard research laboratories. Their expertise offers a far deeper insight into Antarctica than most journeys can provide. The bridge remains open to guests — you are welcome to visit at any time.
Le Commandant Charcot: Ship, Routes & Consulting
Possible expeditions, information about the ship and answers from our experts to all your questions about the cruises of the Le Commandant Charcot
3 Reasons for a an Expedition on the Le Commandant Charcot
- Le Commandant Charcot is the only expedition ship with Polar Class PC2, capable of navigating through ice up to three meters thick—making previously impossible polar expeditions a reality.
- With 215 crew members for a maximum of 200 guests in Antarctica, it offers French gourmet cuisine designed by Alain Ducasse and 123 luxurious suites and cabins, each with a private balcony.
- For every 10 guests, there is one naturalist guide, and as a ship equipped with two research laboratories, it hosts scientists from fields such as glaciology, oceanography, and marine biology.
What Awaits You on an Expedition on the Le Commandant Charcot
Polar Icebreaker
A uniquely versatile vessel that combines the incredible power of a true icebreaker with a PC2 ice class and the comfort of a luxury cruise ship. Its hybrid propulsion systems and advanced technologies also help reduce environmental impact in Antarctica.
Luxury Expedition
You travel in comfort in one of just 123 suites, all featuring a private balcony, French gourmet cuisine, and nearly all shore excursions already included. A German-speaking lecturer is on board during Antarctic voyages.
1 Naturalist for Every 10 Guests
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Cabins and Suites on the Le Commandant Charcot
All 123 spacious cabins and suites are equipped with state-of-the-art amenities. From your private balcony, you can watch the icebergs drift past — while your butler serves breakfast directly in your suite.
| Owner's Suite | 115 M2 |
| Duplex Suite | 94 M2 |
| Privilege Suite | 48 M2 |
| Grand Suite | 42 M2 |
| Prestige Suite | 40 M2 |
| Deluxe Suite | 28 M2 |
| Lower Deck Balcony Stateroom | 20 M2 |
Owner's Suite
- With a size of 115 m², the Owner's Suite on Deck 8 is one of the most luxurious suites on Antarctic expedition ships.
- 186 m² huge private balcony with an exclusive Jacuzzi, seating area, and a unique permanently installed Swarovski Optik ST VISTA telescope.
- King-size bed or two single beds.
- Included minibar, 24-hour room service, flat-screen TV, safe, dressing table with hairdryer, Dyptique toiletries, Nespresso coffee machine, Bose Bluetooth speaker, and free Wi-Fi access.
- Maximum 2 guests per suite.
- Entertainment and relaxation: dining table for 6 and lounge areas with breathtaking views over the stern of Le Commandant Charcot.
- Bathroom with shower and balneo bathtub.
- One-hour spa facial or body treatment for one guest at the spa.
- Samsung tablets & 2 pairs of Swarovski binoculars.
- Butler service.
Duplex Suite
- 94 m² duplex suite on deck 6.
- King-size bed or two single beds.
- Private 26 m² balcony with Jacuzzi.
- Included minibar, 24-hour room service, flat-screen TV, safe, dressing table with hairdryer, Dyptique toiletries, Nespresso coffee machine, Bose Bluetooth speaker, and free Wi-Fi access.
- Maximum 4 guests per suite.
- Large entertainment area with dining table, lounge areas, and separate toilet.
- Bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub.
- Samsung tablets & 2 pairs of Swarovski binoculars.
- Butler service.
Privilege Suite
- 48 m² Privilege Suite on Deck 8.
- King-size bed or two single beds.
- Private 12.5 m² balcony.
- Included minibar, 24-hour room service, flat-screen TV, safe, dressing table with hairdryer, Dyptique toiletries, Nespresso coffee machine, Bose Bluetooth speaker, and free Wi-Fi access.
- Maximum 4 guests per suite.
- Separate lounge area with sofa.
- Separate dressing room.
- Bathroom with shower and balneo bathtub.
- Samsung tablets & 2 pairs of Swarovski binoculars.
- Butler service.
Grand Suite
- 42 m² Grand Prestige Suite on Deck 6.
- King-size bed or two single beds.
- Private 5 m² balcony.
- Included minibar, 24-hour room service, flat-screen TV, safe, dressing table with hairdryer, Dyptique toiletries, Nespresso coffee machine, Bose Bluetooth speaker, and free Wi-Fi access.
- Maximum 2 guests per suite.
- Separate lounge area with sofa.
- Bathroom with shower and balneo bathtub.
- Samsung tablets & 2 pairs of Swarovski binoculars.
- Butler service.
Prestige Suite
- 40 m² Prestige Suite on decks 7 and 8.
- King-size bed or two single beds.
- Private 10 m² balcony.
- Included minibar, 24-hour room service, flat-screen TV, safe, dressing table with hairdryer, Dyptique toiletries, Nespresso coffee machine, Bose Bluetooth speaker, and free Wi-Fi access.
- Maximum 4 guests per suite.
- Separate lounge area with sofa.
- Bathroom with shower.
Deluxe Suite
- 28 m² Deluxe Suite on decks 6, 7, and 8.
- King-size bed or two single beds.
- Private 5 m² balcony.
- Included minibar, 24-hour room service, flat-screen TV, safe, dressing table with hairdryer, Dyptique toiletries, Nespresso coffee machine, Bose Bluetooth speaker, and free Wi-Fi access.
- Maximum 2 guests per suite.
- Separate lounge area with sofa.
- Bathroom with shower.
Lower Deck Balcony Stateroom
- 20 m² Prestige Cabin on decks 6, 7, and 8.
- King-size bed or two single beds.
- Private 5 m² balcony.
- Included minibar, 24-hour room service, flat-screen TV, safe, dressing table with hairdryer, Dyptique toiletries, Nespresso coffee machine, Bose Bluetooth speaker, and free Wi-Fi access.
- Maximum 2 passengers per cabin.
- Bathroom with shower.
Le Commandant Charcot is the only true luxury icebreaker designed for polar exploration. I am happy to answer any questions you may have about the ship or the available itineraries.
Meinhard Mooslechner
Polar Travel Expert
Le Commandant Charcot Deck Plan
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Itineraries of the Le Commandant Charcot in Antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions about Le Commandant Charcot
What makes Le Commandant Charcot unique?
Le Commandant Charcot is a polar expedition vessel operated by Ponant and completed in 2021. Classified with Polar Class PC2, it was purpose-built for extreme polar navigation. As the most powerful expedition icebreaker currently operating in Antarctica, it is capable of reaching remote and heavily glaciated regions with sea ice of up to three meters thickness.
Its capabilities extend far beyond Antarctica. In the Arctic, Le Commandant Charcot can even navigate all the way to the Geographic North Pole — a feat previously reserved only for Russian nuclear icebreakers.
Design and Accommodation:
- Each spacious suite and stateroom features either a king-size bed or twin configuration, a private lounge area, and a private balcony.
- For compliance with Antarctic environmental regulations, no more than 200 guests travel on board.
- With approximately 215 crew members for 200 guests, the ship offers one of the most exclusive staffing ratios in expedition cruising — combining the strength of a true icebreaker with the refinement and privacy of a five-star luxury yacht.
Technical Features:
- A hybrid electric–LNG propulsion system and advanced eco-technologies significantly reduce environmental impact.
- State-of-the-art stabilisers provide exceptional comfort, even when crossing the notoriously rough Drake Passage.
- Sophisticated radar and sonar systems ensure safe navigation through heavy sea ice and remote polar regions.
Life On Board:
- The Alain Ducasse-supervised restaurant offers world-class gourmet dining.
- A full wellness area includes a spa, fitness centre, and heated indoor pool.
- Expansive public spaces such as a panoramic lounge and an auditorium create refined environments for relaxation, lectures, and cultural programming.
Expedition Team:
- An exceptional 1 naturalist guide per 10 guests, supported by an expedition staff of approximately 23 specialists.
- Two onboard scientific laboratories host real polar researchers — including oceanographers, glaciologists, biologists, and climate scientists — who participate in select voyages.
- Guests may take part in citizen-science programmes, contributing to active polar research during the expedition.
Expedition Equipment:
- Zodiacs and amphibious vehicles enable landings and ice-based exploration.
- Specialised polar outerwear and boots are provided.
- Lectures, workshops, and guided field activities led by polar experts offer deep insight into the unique environment and wildlife of the planet’s polar regions.
What are the technical specifications of Le Commandant Charcot?
- Passengers: Maximum of 200 guests in Antarctica
- Year built: 2021
- Crew: 215 staff members during Antarctic voyages
- Expedition team: Approximately 23 specialists in Antarctica
- Ice class: Highest Polar Class PC2, enabling deep navigation into heavy sea ice
- Dimensions: Length 149.9 m, width 28.3 m
- Decks: 9
- Speed: 15 knots, allowing less time at sea and more time exploring the Antarctic continent
- Stabilisation: Custom-built stabilisers engineered to exceed standard capacity by 50%, ensuring a noticeably smoother sailing experience
- Expedition equipment: Zodiacs, sea kayaks, and a comprehensive range of gear for landings and outdoor exploration
What is included and excluded on Le Commandant Charcot?
Included:
• Domestic transfers to the expedition vessel, including economy class flights and airport transfers for both arrival and departure
• Pre-cruise hotel stays where required, for example at The Ritz-Carlton Santiago or a comparable property
• Antarctic voyage in a five-star stateroom or suite
• Two fine-dining venues with included beverages and gourmet cuisine
• Daily replenished minibar
• Butler service, in-room dining, and included beverages when booking a Grand Prestige Suite
• Daily landings and expedition activities included
• Complimentary expedition parka, handed over on board
• Loaned expedition boots for all landings
• Swarovski binoculars included from the Grand Prestige Suite category and above
• Experienced expedition team and naturalist guides
• Wi-Fi access (subject to availability)
Excluded:
• International flights – suitable flight options can be arranged on request for an additional charge
• Premium and vintage wines, rare spirits, and similar beverage selections
• Personal expenses, such as purchases in the onboard boutique
• Spa treatments, massages, and similar services
• Personal travel and medical insurance
What expedition experiences and activities does the ship offer?
Le Commandant Charcot offers a wide range of activities in Antarctica, most of which are already included with your voyage. These may include:
• Sea kayaking: Advance reservation is required before departure. All necessary equipment is provided — from kayaks and paddles to dry suits.
• Hiking: Included as part of shore landings. Hiking poles, snowshoes, and expedition boots are supplied.
• Polar Plunge: For those who dare, a supervised dip in the icy Antarctic waters with full safety support.
• Zodiac excursions: Landings, close approaches to icebergs, whale watching, and many other experiences in small, agile Zodiac boats.
• Participatory science: Optional involvement in scientific projects alongside the researchers travelling aboard Le Commandant Charcot.
• Expert lectures: Led by the expedition team and polar scientists accompanying the voyage.
Note: The onboard helicopter is used exclusively for scouting and operational reconnaissance, not for sightseeing flights.
How reliable is the internet and connectivity on board?
Le Commandant Charcot offers satellite internet access; however, connection quality may vary due to the remote routes travelled in the polar regions. As the ship operates in some of the most isolated areas on the planet, fluctuations in connectivity are to be expected. Stable video calls from Antarctica are increasingly possible, although not guaranteed in every situation. Wi-Fi access is complimentary for all guests on board.
What is the dining experience like on Le Commandant Charcot?
With a voyage aboard Le Commandant Charcot, dining in both onboard restaurants is included — along with beverages and alcoholic drinks. Only a small selection of rare and premium wines and spirits are excluded.
In the panoramic restaurant, meals are served either à la carte or buffet style. Pastries by Lenôtre, fine wines curated by Taillevent, and Veuve Clicquot Champagne during cocktail evenings make the journey not only an expedition, but also a culinary experience.
The Grill Restaurant offers a more relaxed setting, either outdoors or in its warm indoor space. At breakfast and during the generous lunch buffet, you’ll enjoy a varied and changing selection each day.
Is my international flight included with a booking on Le Commandant Charcot?
Only selected departure dates include international flights with voyages aboard Le Commandant Charcot. When booking through ArcticDesire.com, we are happy to prepare a complete travel package for you, including international flights to your embarkation city. For Antarctic journeys with Le Commandant Charcot, this is typically Buenos Aires or Santiago de Chile.